nate roberts
founder | instructor
Nate Roberts is a multi-instrumentalist, composer and educator living in Holland, MI. Nate earned his MM in Jazz Performance (Guitar) from the University of Oregon, after having completed his BM in Jazz Studies at Hope College. He also received a scholarship for Mandolin performance and attended Berklee College of Music, where he studied with mandolinist John McGann.
In addition to his work with MAFM, Nate is active as a performer and composer. His most recent projects include a duo album with guitarist Hayes Griffin entitled Unadorned and Commonplace, released in July of 2019, as well as 2017's The Meaning of a Tree, an album by the progressive acoustic quartet The Field Hymnal, which features all original music and lyrics. To check out some of Nate’s recent projects, see audio & video here.
joshua linde (apprentice)
Joshua Linde is a musician in Holland, MI. He currently teaches and studies at MAFM. In addition to teaching, composing, and playing music, he enjoys backpacking, rock climbing, and working outdoors.
keala venema (apprentice)
Keala Venema is a fiddle player from Hudsonville, MI. Since graduating as a student and intern from the Youth Program, she is now teaching group and private lessons for MAFM. Alongside her passion for teaching, she also performs in Whorled, a world folk music trio. The trio has performed at venues such as Fredrick Meijer Garden, Hoxeyville, Sparta Celtic festival, and at city summer concert programs such as East Grand Rapids and East Lansing. This is one of her many musical projects that keeps her busy, but she's always willing and excited for a jam!
interns & ta’s
INTERNs:Georgia Crandell, LUKE VAN PORTFLIET, LAUREN VAN WIEREN, benjamin linde, luke gerth, ellie gerth, wyatt tennant
teaching assistants:eli whitmore, josiah van portfliet, julia vande waa
We are fortunate to have a thriving Advanced Study Youth Program that focuses on music performance, as well as equipping the students for pedagogical and administrative roles within the school. These students are mentored by Nate in regular group and one-on-one meetings.
TA’s (Teaching Assistants) are first and second year Advanced Study students and progress from class observation to supervised teaching for portions of class. Interns are advanced students and progress from direct to indirectly supervised teaching throughout the year. These kind and talented high schoolers can be found assisting or leading group classes, ensembles, private lessons, jams and monthly events. We couldn’t do it without them!